Wasit fishmonger draws customers with low prices and daily discounts

WASIT — At a small stall in Al-Shishan Market in Kut, Wasit, fish seller Karrar Khalid Al-Aidi has turned his trade into his livelihood. “I started by transporting fish from the wholesale market to sellers,” Al-Aidi told 964media. “One day, a trader gave me a small amount worth 15,000 IQD ($10) to sell. I was lucky and sold it for 30,000 IQD ($20). I repeated the experience and developed my work until I reached what I am today.”

Al-Aidi said he relies on profits of only 100 to 250 IQD ($0.2) per kilogram, selling between one and two tons daily and sharing the earnings with his team.

“I don’t follow the method of fish sellers who charge high profits. I’ve been working this way for nine years,” he said.

His stall is known for unpredictable pricing and near-daily discounts. “Sometimes I sell a kilo for less than 5,000 IQD ($3) when the market price reaches 8,000 IQD ($5),” he said. “My discounts can start at 9 a.m. and last until midnight.”

Al-Aidi said his work depends heavily on social media to promote offers and expand his business, adding that he hopes to open a restaurant in the future.

“My main goal is for poor families to be able to buy fish. I also give away fish to those in need and help families who, like me, live off this stall,” he said.

Customer Mohammed Al-Aidi said he has been buying fish from Karrar for two years. “His prices are always much lower than the market,” he said. “He works hard, traveling across governorates to get the best prices. I hope other sellers follow his example.”

According to Mohammed Ghazi, head of the Animal Resources Department in Wasit, the governorate ranks among Iraq’s top fish producers, with an annual output of around 15,000 tons. “The sector faces major challenges, particularly water scarcity and fish diseases,” he said.